How does keratoconus change the shape of the cornea and blur vision?

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eye disease An ophthalmologist performing LASIK eye surgery.

Keratoconus is a degenerative condition that alters the normal, spherical shape of the cornea. In this condition, the central portion of the cornea begins to bulge and protrude forward, taking on a cone-like shape.1

This structural change disrupts the eye's ability to focus light properly, leading to vision deterioration caused by irregular astigmatism. Because the corneal curvature is no longer uniform, light rays do not converge accurately on the retina, resulting in blurred vision. While contact lenses are frequently used to manage the condition, advanced cases may require a corneal transplant.1